Antifungal agents for dandruff

The problem of dandruff worries many people. Its manifestation not only looks unsightly, but also causes redness of the scalp and unpleasant itching. You should get rid of this disease using an integrated approach, which includes taking anti-dandruff tablets. Their action complements therapy, reducing the treatment period.

How to get rid of dandruff with tablets

Most people prefer to purchase an anti-dandruff remedy in pharmacies without finding out the root cause of the appearance of flaking. The appearance is provoked by various factors that determine the type of disease (oily, dry seborrhea, psoriasis, etc.) and the range of medications that allow it to be treated. In some cases, treatment with shampoos alone (sometimes with antibiotics) will be effective, but in certain situations it is necessary to use anti-dandruff tablets. New generation drugs help only in complex treatment; when taken independently, they are ineffective.

For successful therapy, there is a prerequisite - it is necessary to remove the root cause of scalp flaking in order to fight against the underlying disease and effectively suppress symptoms. The course of medications and agents should be selected taking into account the following rules:

1. If the appearance of dandruff is a manifestation of a pathogenic fungus, then treatment should be aimed at restoring the microflora of the epidermis to its natural state.
2. If the cause is seborrheic dermatitis, then treatment is aimed at normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands. The tablets should strengthen the patient’s skin immunity

How does dandruff remedy work?

All tablets that help remove dandruff have a complex effect. Medicines of this type can be divided into 4 groups. Their action is aimed at:

1. Stopping the growth of seborrheic fungus. The presence of antimycotic agents selenium disulfide, birch tar, ketoconazole, sulfur, climazone destroys seborrheic fungus. The action of the drugs is aimed at damaging the structure of the fungus.
2. Slowing down reproduction. The tablets reduce the rate of formation of fungal cells due to zinc, which has an antiseptic and fungicidal effect. This stops the process of skin exfoliation and hair loss.
3. Strengthening exfoliating effect. The components of anti-dandruff tablets remove “scales” and reduce their number.
4. Restoring nutrition to the scalp and hair health. The substances in the medications are aimed at relieving irritation, narrowing pores, and reducing the activity of the sebaceous glands, which leaves the fungus without nutrition.

Antifungal tablets

Antimycotic drugs (antifungals) include many different types of chemical compounds that have a specific effect on the activity of pathogenic fungi. They are divided into several main groups, which are prescribed according to clinical use and chemical structure. There is also a difference in the spectrum of activity, but broad-spectrum antifungal drugs in tablets are often prescribed.

Taking anti-dandruff medications requires strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions and dosage regimen, which is prescribed individually. This is especially true when a child is sick and needs to take medications orally (by mouth). If the dosage is violated or pills are missed, then doubling it is prohibited. Premature termination and violation of the treatment regimen leads to an increased risk of relapse.

Nystatin

This anti-dandruff medicine is not taken orally, but acts as an additional substance to shampoo. To prepare the mixture, crush 2 tablets and dissolve in hot water (250 ml), shake the liquid several times. Apply the product to the scalp immediately after washing your hair with shampoo. Give a light head massage; it is not necessary to wash off Nystatin. It can be used not only for obvious manifestations of dandruff, but also as a preventive measure.

It is noted that after the first use of dissolved tablets, an increase in the amount of dandruff may occur, but it will be drier and finer. There is no need to worry about this, because this is a natural process of exfoliation of the fungus. You should be concerned if a similar effect is observed after 2-3 applications. In this case, the use of Nystatin should be discontinued.

Nizoral

The most effective anti-dandruff remedy is Nizoral, which can be produced in the form of a cream or shampoo. This remedy should be taken in tablet form if the symptoms of the disease are bright and pronounced. This will quickly improve the appearance of the scalp and stop the development of possible complications. A noticeable effect occurs after 1-3 months of taking Nizoral.

The dosage regimen must be prescribed by a doctor, but as a rule, tablets are used until clinical parameters and laboratory indicators indicate eradication of the pathogen. Premature discontinuation of Nizoral, even with visible external improvements, leads to the fact that dandruff will reappear after some time. The medication has a number of side effects that you should familiarize yourself with before taking it.

Miconazole

This medicine contains a substance of the same name. Prescribed as part of complex therapy, which is aimed at treating fungal lesions of the scalp. The dosage regimen is prescribed by the doctor individually. The action of Miconazole is aimed at:

1. treatment of seborrhea;
2. suppression of parasitic fungi that cause skin diseases;
3. prevention of excessive peeling;
4. strengthening the immune system.

Local treatment of dandruff with tablets

Not every person knows that aspirin can be used as anti-dandruff tablets. This is not an official use for it, but rather one of the home recipes for treating flaky scalp. The main active ingredient is salicylic acid, which is included in many shampoos for the treatment of dandruff. The main benefit of the tablets is their antifungal and antimicrobial properties. To prepare the product you need to do the following:

1. Grind 2 aspirin tablets well to a powder.
2. Add it to your shampoo before use.
3. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave for at least 2 minutes.
4. Rinse off with warm water.
5. Repeat the procedure every other day until the symptoms of dandruff completely disappear.

How to cure dandruff on the head with vitamin preparations

One of the reasons for the development of dandruff symptoms may be a lack of vitamins in the body. To maintain a healthy hair appearance, it is necessary to obtain sufficient quantities of elements of groups B3, F, C, D. The latter can be obtained directly from a natural source - sunlight. In clear and sunny weather, go outside for at least 10-15 minutes. In this case, there are no contraindications (except for protection from sunstroke), the body will independently synthesize vitamin D in the required quantities. You can get the necessary elements from the following products:

1. B3 – peanuts, fish;
2. B6 – nuts, pork, vegetables;
3. F – fish oil, mackerel, fruit, avocado.

In addition to the options for vitamin preparations with the target substance, you can use complexes that contain the entire necessary set of elements, for example: Pantovigar, Complivit, Aevit, Perfectil. All of these drugs are powerful multivitamins. Treatment of dandruff will be successful only with the combined use of vitamins, tablets and medicated shampoos.

Video: what helps with dandruff

To combat white flakes on hair, cosmetics manufacturers mainly offer special shampoos. We’ll talk about them in our article: we’ll tell you how to choose the right anti-dandruff remedy and use it, what ingredients to look for in the formula, and what can help as home remedies.

1. What is dandruff, the reasons for its appearance
2. Features of anti-dandruff products
3. What products can you use at home?
4. How to choose a dandruff remedy
5. Rating of the best anti-dandruff products
6. Folk remedies
7. Salon treatments against dandruff

What is dandruff, the reasons for its appearance

Everyone has encountered the problem of dandruff at least once in their life. If annoying scales do not disappear on their own, you cannot do without special cosmetics. When choosing a shampoo, many people act by trial and error - and as a result, they often make the situation worse. To prevent this from happening, let’s figure out what you need to know about dandruff and the means to combat it.

How long the problem of dandruff will persist largely depends on the correct selection of shampoo. © Stock

Dandruff, or seborrhea, appears due to disruption of the processes of renewal and exfoliation of the skin. If for some reason this process accelerates (instead of the usual 28 days, it takes, for example, 15), then the number of scales increases and accumulates. This is how dandruff occurs. Read more about the reasons here.

Seborrhea can be dry and oily, sometimes mixed forms occur.

Dry seborrhea characterized by decreased activity of the sebaceous glands.

scales are small, dusty;

hair is thin, weakened, dry;

scalp is irritated and itchy.

Oily seborrhea characterized by increased sebum production.

scales in the form of large flakes of a white or yellowish tint;

hair is oily, gets dirty quickly, strands stick together;

There are many causes of dandruff, from improper hair care to stress. A big role here is played by yeast fungi of the genus Malassezia - permanent inhabitants of the scalp, which are activated in certain circumstances.

Features of anti-dandruff products

Lavender extract and oil help combat dandruff. © iStock

When choosing anti-dandruff products, be guided by the condition of the scalp (and hair): dandruff can be accompanied by both excessive dryness and excess oiliness.

If your scalp is dry, traditional anti-dandruff shampoo components that reduce sebum production can aggravate the dryness, which will only increase flaking. Such skin needs moisturizers and nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants more.

With oily scalp, on the contrary, it is important to reduce the production of sebum - the main source of nutrition for microorganisms, which are often responsible for the development of oily seborrhea (dandruff). As a rule, substances with antifungal activity are required.

In any case, with dandruff, the skin needs exfoliation.

Here is a list of ingredients that are traditionally included in hair and scalp care products for those prone to dandruff.

Zinc pyrithione. Perhaps the most common antifungal agent. It also has antibacterial properties.

Selenium disulfide. Effectively affects the Malassezia fungus (it is considered one of the main causes of dandruff) and eliminates flaking.

Tar. Fights bacteria, has a drying and degreasing effect. Cons: pungent smell, ability to give hair a reddish tint.

Salicylic acid. Keratolytic, removes scales from the scalp.

Panthenol. Moisturizes and soothes the scalp.

Vitamin E. Along with hydration, it has an antioxidant effect.

Plant extracts with antiseptic effect: lavender, rosemary, green tea, St. John's wort.

Medicines for dandruff may also contain antifungal substances:

ketoconazole (imidazole derivative);

Drugs with high concentrations of the substances listed above should be prescribed by a doctor.

What products can you use at home?

To combat dandruff and care for hair at home, several types of products are used.

Shampoos

Balms

As a rule, they work in tandem with shampoo, enhancing its effect. In addition to anti-dandruff substances, vitamins, oils, etc. may be included in the formula.

Lotions

Apply the lotion to dry skin and rub in with light circular movements. While eliminating dandruff, the lotion simultaneously cares for hair. Frequency of use: 2–3 times a week.

Sprays are the same lotions, but in a more convenient format for use. An additional plus is a protective film on the hair.

How to choose a dandruff remedy

When choosing, it is important to consider: the type and condition of the scalp, age signs, and individual preferences.

For teenagers

Is it really possible to let dandruff spoil your mood (and self-esteem, if we are talking about adolescence)! Effective remedies exist for everyone. © iStock

Indeed, adolescence is accompanied by hormonal surges, in particular, increased production of androgens, which causes increased oiliness of the skin. Therefore, dandruff appears quite often. Sometimes regular competent care that reduces hair oiliness is enough to eliminate it.

For women

possibility of daily use;

pleasant consistency and aroma;

softening hair, making it easier to comb, adding shine to strands.

And all this in one bottle.

For men

According to surveys, men are not very fond of sulfate-free shampoos because these products are too mild: they feel that their hair is not cleansed enough. However, anti-dandruff shampoo is quite a powerful remedy.

What else is important to remember when choosing an anti-dandruff product? Whatever its type, it’s good if your shampoo:

has a soft detergent base;

does not lead to drying and degreasing of the skin - sulfate-free detergents are recommended for sensitive scalp prone to irritation and atopy;

has high consumer qualities.

As for the prevention of dandruff: when it first appears, you should consult a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe treatment. Only in this case can a relapse be avoided.

Rating of the best anti-dandruff products

We present the best anti-dandruff shampoos, according to the editors of Skin.ru, and support our choice with user reviews.

Anti-dandruff shampoo 2-in-1 Fructis, Garnier

Beautiful soft hair without a hint of dandruff is the result you should expect from this product after the first use. Zinc pyrithione combats white scales and their reappearance, and green tea extract fights free radicals.

Intensive anti-dandruff care shampoo for sensitive itchy scalp, Dercos Technique, Vichy

Despite the absence of sulfates, it thoroughly washes hair. There are fewer scales, itching and discomfort disappear. The composition includes piroctone olamine, bisabolol, salicylic acid. Directions for use: lather on hair, rinse after 2 minutes.

Intensive anti-dandruff care shampoo for normal to oily hair and itchy scalp, Dercos Technique, Vichy

The formula is based on ceramides, selenium disulfide, salicylic acid, vitamin E, menthol. Use 2-3 times a week for a month, and then once every 7 days as a preventative measure.

Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo with micro-exfoliating effect Kerium DS, La Roche-Posay

Lipohydroxy acid and salicylic acid remove flakes and help reduce flaking. The product is easily distributed throughout the hair, making it soft and shiny.

Nourishing Shampoo + Conditioner for men, Kiehl’s

The formula, combining the properties of shampoo and conditioner, perfectly cleanses hair, leaving a fresh, woody aroma. Moisturizes the scalp and gives it a feeling of freshness. The product can also be used to cleanse the beard.

Folk remedies

To prepare homemade masks, choose only fresh ingredients. © Getty Images

Dandruff is one of the most annoying hair problems. Sometimes you give up - nothing helps. Don't despair, be patient. And lovers of handmade cosmetics can prepare shampoos and conditioners according to folk recipes. But first, it would still be great to consult a trichologist. Here are a few harmless, in our opinion, recipes.

Shampoo with tea tree oil

Ingredients:

½ cup coconut milk;

½ cup Castile liquid soap;

1 tbsp. l. vegetable glycerin;

2 tsp. jojoba oils;

10 drops of tea tree essential oil.

How to prepare and use:

Stir together coconut milk, Castile soap, and glycerin in a measuring cup;

add jojoba oil and tea tree essential oil;

pour the mixture into a container with a dispenser;

Shake the bottle before using shampoo.

Be careful: essential oils are very active substances, a negative skin reaction is possible; first test the mixture on the crook of your elbow or wrist.

Tea tree oil mask

Mix 10 drops of tea tree essential oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil - olive or jojoba. Apply the resulting mixture to your scalp and leave overnight. Rinse off in the morning.

Anti-dandruff mask with onions

Grate one onion on a fine grater. Mix it with 1 tbsp. l. warm honey. Rub the mixture into your scalp and hair. After 30 min. Rinse off the mask with warm water and wash your hair. The smell of onions can be eliminated by rinsing your hair with water and apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon of vinegar per glass of water).

Salon treatments against dandruff

Let's list the top procedures against dandruff.

Scalp peeling
It can be done both in cosmetology clinics and in beauty salons. Frequency, depending on the drug used, is once every 60 or 90 days.

Aqua peeling
“Scaly” skin and pores clogged with sebum are cleansed with a strong jet of a mixture of air and saline solution.

Cryomassage
Combines cold effects on tissues in combination with massage.

Mesotherapy
Injections of substances beneficial to the skin normalize sebum production, relieve inflammation and irritation.

Ozone therapy
The condition of the scalp is improved with the help of an ozone-oxygen mixture, which is injected with a syringe or injector.

1. July 3, 2018
2. Hair treatment
3. Sofia Ermakova

Dandruff bothers many people. This is not just an aesthetic problem. Damage to the scalp is manifested by unpleasant itching and severe irritation. How to get rid of dandruff quickly and effectively? An integrated approach will help, which includes the use of medicated shampoos, taking pills and general fortification of the body.

How to get rid of dandruff with tablets

Most people suffering from dandruff limit themselves to buying shampoo with the appropriate mark, although it is necessary to look for the root causes, and not just eliminate the symptom. Various diseases provoke peeling: psoriasis, dry or oily seborrhea. In some cases, local therapy will be effective (there are shampoos with antibiotics), but sometimes it is necessary to use special tablets for dandruff and itchy scalp. The drugs are ineffective when used independently; they help only in complex treatment.

For therapy to be successful, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause of skin peeling and fight the underlying disease. A course of medications must be purchased taking into account the following recommendations:

1. Treatment should be aimed at restoring the natural microflora if the appearance of dandruff is a consequence of a pathogenic fungus.
2. It is necessary to normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands if the cause of itching is seborrheic dermatitis. The tablets should boost the patient’s skin immunity.

How does dandruff remedy work?

Inexpensive anti-dandruff products available in pharmacies have a complex effect. The action of the drugs can be aimed at slowing down the proliferation of seborrheic fungus, stopping growth, enhancing the exfoliating effect and restoring nutrition to the scalp. Elimination of seborrheic fungus and destruction of its structure occurs due to the presence of sulfur, selenium disulfide, birch tar, climazone or ketoconazole in the composition of the products.

In addition, the tablets reduce the rate of cell formation due to zinc, which has a fungicidal and antiseptic effect. This stops hair loss and slows down the process of skin exfoliation. Components of pharmaceutical medications for dandruff and itching of the scalp reduce the number of “scales”. Nutrition of the scalp and hair is restored, beneficial substances relieve irritation, tighten pores and reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands. As a result, the fungus is left without food.

Antifungal tablets

Antifungal tablets for dandruff and itchy scalp include many chemical compounds that have a specific effect on the activity of pathogenic fungi. Such drugs are divided into several groups. They differ in chemical structure and clinical use. There is a difference in activity, but most often patients suffering from dermatological diseases are prescribed broad-spectrum drugs.

When using tablets for dandruff and itchy scalp, you must follow the doctor's instructions, dosage and dosage regimen, which is prescribed to each patient purely individually. This is especially true in cases where a child is undergoing treatment and the drugs must be taken orally. If the dosage is violated or a dose is missed, there is no need to double the dosage. Premature termination of therapy or disruption of the regimen increases the likelihood of relapse.

Nystatin tablets for itching and dandruff

The product is taken as part of additional therapy to medicinal shampoo. Two Nystatin tablets should be crushed and dissolved in a glass of hot water. Shake the liquid several times. The product is applied to the skin immediately after washing your hair, you need to do a light massage, and it is not necessary to wash off “Nystatin”. Tablets can be used for obvious manifestations of dandruff, and also as a preventive measure.

As noted in the reviews, after the first use there may be a slight increase in the number of “scales”, but they will be smaller and drier. There is no need to worry about this, because this is the natural process of exfoliation of the fungus. The use of Nystatin should be abandoned if this effect persists after two or three uses.

Nizoral: the most effective anti-dandruff remedy

Inexpensive anti-dandruff products at the pharmacy can also be effective, but it is better to give preference to quality medications in order to quickly get a positive result. Nizoral costs from 400 to 600 rubles, depending on the region and pharmacy chain. These tablets for dandruff and itchy scalp are considered the most effective; the drug is also available in the form of shampoo and cream. In tablet form it is recommended for severe symptoms.

The use of Nizoral anti-dandruff tablets will stop the development of complications and quickly improve the appearance of the scalp. A long-term noticeable effect occurs after one to three months of using the product. The medication has several side effects, which you should carefully read before using it.

From the central nervous system, headaches and dizziness, increased intracranial pressure, insomnia at night or drowsiness during the day are possible. When applied topically, itching, burning sensation and irritation at the site of application are sometimes observed. In rare cases, contact dermatitis occurs. From the digestive system, stool disorders, nausea and vomiting are possible, and hepatitis is rarely observed. Patients may experience decreased libido, irritability, and menstrual irregularities.

The dosage regimen is individually prescribed by the doctor. It is recommended to use the tablets until laboratory results indicate eradication of the pathogen. If you stop using Nizoral when there are visible improvements, but earlier than prescribed by the doctor, dandruff will reappear after some time.

“Miconazole” as part of complex therapy

The regimen for taking Miconazole is calculated on an individual basis. The action of the drug is aimed at treating seborrhea, strengthening the immune system, preventing peeling and suppressing the activity of fungi that cause dermatological diseases.

Ketoconazole tablets in the treatment of fungal diseases

When taken orally, the drug is effective against systemic and superficial mycoses (diseases caused by parasitic fungi). “Ketoconazole” is prescribed for fungal skin diseases, mycosis of the scalp, and prophylactically in case of reduced body resistance to pathogenic substances. Ketoconazole tablets for dandruff are taken once a day with meals. For adults, it is enough to take one tablet for two to eight weeks. After consulting with your doctor, you should additionally use shampoo with ketoconazole.

Local treatment of dandruff with drugs

Regular Aspirin can be used very successfully in the treatment of dandruff. This is one of the effective home recipes for treating flaky and itchy scalp. The main component of the tablets is salicylic acid, which is also found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. The benefit of the drug lies in its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

To prepare a product from tablets for topical treatment of dandruff, you must:

1. Grind two Aspirin tablets to a powder;
2. add to shampoo (preferably use medicated shampoo);
3. apply to hair and leave for about two minutes;
4. rinse with plenty of warm water;
5. repeat the procedure every other day until the symptoms disappear.

Treatment with vitamin preparations

One of the common causes of dandruff is a lack of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial elements in the body. To keep hair healthy and beautiful, B vitamins are especially useful. Vitamin D is useful, which can be obtained directly from a natural source - sunlight. In clear weather, you need to go outside for 10-15 minutes. There are no contraindications (except for some kind of protection against overheating). This way the body can independently synthesize vitamin D in the required quantities.

Other important elements can be obtained from pork, vegetables, peanuts, fish and seafood, nuts, fish oil, fruits (especially avocados). You can use special vitamin preparations that contain the entire complex of useful substances. Powerful multivitamin products are “Aevit”, “Pantovigar”, “Complivit”, “Perfectil”, “Merz”. Treatment of dandruff and itchy scalp will be successful only if the body has enough vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Patient reviews of various products

Many who have encountered the problem of dandruff leave reviews of tablets and home remedies that can help with this problem. Patients talk about the effectiveness of rinsing with Aspirin, the ease of use and effectiveness of medicated shampoos, and taking anti-dandruff tablets orally (“Nizoral”, they say, helps quickly, and the effect lasts a long time). For some, pharmaceutical products helped only after a course of fortification. In the reviews, patients agree that it is imperative to first consult with a doctor, and only then begin treatment. In addition, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage regimen and duration of therapy, not to end treatment as soon as the result appears, but to complete the full course to avoid relapses.